Bracelet exhumed from Bukit Brown Cemetery, peg no. 177

Title
Bracelet exhumed from Bukit Brown Cemetery, peg no. 177
Year/Period
c. 1961
Region
Singapore
Material
Dimension
Object size: 1.1 x 5.7,
Object size: 1.5 x 6.0 x 5.0 cm
Accession No.
2021-00188

This bracelet was found in the unclaimed grave with peg no. 177 at Bukit Brown Cemetery. According to the grave marking, it belonged to Mrs. 王, nee 陈亚春, from 东山埔上, Fujian province. She passed away in 1961 (民国50年正月十九日) and was survived by 1 son, 2 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren.The silver bracelet is decorated with floral and vegetative panels and the characters “Fu Lu Shou Quan” (福禄寿全). The inside of the bracelet is stamped with the mark “wen yin” (纹银), or “pure silver”.The practice of burying everyday objects and luxurious items with the deceased originated in ancient China, and continued to be observed by the Straits Chinese communities. They were meant for use by the deceased in the afterlife, and also served as statements of the family’s rank and status.